The Roselane Conservatoire of Music in Kariega is at the heart of a transformative new initiative launched by Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Music and Performing Arts. This pre-tertiary programme aims to provide talented learners and community members from under-resourced schools with formal music education, equipping them with the skills necessary to pursue higher education in music.
“There are so many learners in our schools who have the talent but no formal music training and theory, which they need to access university. We are determined to make this happen for them,” said Dr Rudi Bower, Head of the Department of Music and Performing Arts.
Roselane Conservatoire of Music, along with Paterson High School in Gqeberha, is one of the first two groups to join the programme. The initiative focuses on learners in Grades 8, 9, and 10, although it is open to younger students and recent school leavers. From Roselane, learners already proficient in various instruments will receive specialised theory and music training to build on their existing skills. Dr Bower emphasised that many of the Paterson High learners, including those selected from the school choir, have no instrumental background and will begin with vocal training and music theory. “The learners who progress in theory will eventually transition to instrument training, assisted by senior students in the department,” he explained.
For the young musicians of Roselane Conservatoire, this programme is a significant step toward unlocking their full potential. Roselane’s students already play instruments at different levels, allowing them to progress quickly in both theory and practice. This sets the conservatoire apart as an invaluable participant in shaping the future of music education in underprivileged communities. Dr Bower expressed pride in the dedication of Roselane learners and the support they receive from the pre-tertiary initiative: “Through the Youth Music Hub, we can change the lives of so many learners. And we have everything in place to make this happen.”
Housed in the historic and fully refurbished Music Building at Nelson Mandela University’s Bird Street Campus, the programme features a self-contained facility with a concert hall, practice rooms, a library, and more. Mandela University is carrying the financial costs of the programme during its early stages. However, Dr Bower is engaging with the Eastern Cape Department of Education for additional funding to expand the programme.
During a meeting with District Director Ernest Gorgonzola and his team, Mandela University proposed expanding the Youth Music Hub, offering expert group training to a broad network of schools. “We raised the issue that there are so many schools under their care where no music is offered, and we have a possible solution,” Dr Bower said. With funding, the programme could charge as little as R30 per learner per session, significantly reducing barriers to access.
The initiative has the full dedication of staff members in the Music Department. Among them is music lecturer Dr Erna Cloete, who travels from Jeffreys Bay every week to teach recorder lessons to 12 young learners at JBay Academy as part of the programme. Contrasting with traditional programmes that require considerable financial resources, the department offers affordable one-on-one lessons at an already low rate of R100 per session. “The meeting with the Department of Education went very well,” noted Dr Bower. “There were verbal agreements to take the collaboration further. We believe this programme has all the potential to expand rapidly.”
Currently, the learners from Paterson High are focusing on vocal training while familiarising themselves with music theory. Meanwhile, Roselane’s participants will embark on more advanced instrument training tailored to their abilities. With the combined passion of Mandela University, Roselane Conservatoire of Music, and dedicated educators, this pre-tertiary programme paves the way for young musicians from underprivileged communities to access higher education and professional opportunities. “Through this Youth Music Hub, we can unlock the potential of talented learners and transform their lives,” Dr Bower said.
